Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka was involved in a heated confrontation with Real Madrid’s injured defender Dani Carvajal during half-time of their Champions League quarter-final at the Bernabeu. The incident, which took place in the tunnel as players headed to the dressing rooms, may now result in disciplinary action from UEFA.
Carvajal, who has been sidelined since October with an ACL injury, was not part of Real Madrid’s matchday squad and, as such, was not permitted in the technical area during the game. Despite this, he approached Saka in the tunnel, placing his hand on the back of the Arsenal winger’s neck. Saka responded by pushing Carvajal away, prompting staff from both teams—most notably Arsenal substitute Ben White—to intervene. Saka quickly left the scene and is considered blameless in the altercation.
The reason for Carvajal’s anger has been reported as Saka’s decision to attempt a Panenka penalty earlier in the match, which Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved. Carvajal apparently viewed the move as disrespectful, leading to the confrontation.
UEFA regulations prohibit non-participating or suspended players from entering the technical area or tunnel during matches. Previous incidents, such as Xabi Alonso’s one-match ban in 2014 for entering the field while suspended, suggest Carvajal could face a similar punishment if the breach is noted in the official match report. In contrast, Sergio Ramos avoided a ban for a tunnel visit in 2018, as UEFA deemed his actions less serious since he did not reach the pitch itself.
Saka’s missed penalty ultimately did not affect the outcome, as Arsenal advanced to the semi-finals with a 5-1 aggregate victory. Carvajal, however, now faces the possibility of a UEFA ban for breaching conduct rules by being in the restricted area and for his involvement in the altercation